PlayStation Network Still Down and Out

[UPDATED] Sony has updated the status of their online service. Spoiler: it's not good news.

Update 2:Sony has updated us on the status of the PSN being down. In short: it's still down. Sorry for the deceiving nature of this update. Sony unfortunately does not have a time frame for when the service will be back up and running, as this is a "time intensive process." But, people, let's keep it cool and calm.

Stay tuned to CraveOnline right here for more updates as they become available, no matter how insignificant.

Update 1: It looks like the PSN will be down for a bit longer than expected. Sony is apparently working on rebuilding the security of their infrastructure from the ground up to completely close the back door hackers seem to love to walk through. Sorry PlayStation gamers, I feel for you. Here's the latest update, straight from Sony via their official blog:

"We sincerely regret that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have been suspended, and we are working around the clock to bring them both back online. Our efforts to resolve this matter involve re-building our system to further strengthen our network infrastructure. Though this task is time-consuming, we decided it was worth the time necessary to provide the system with additional security.

We thank you for your patience to date and ask for a little more while we move towards completion of this project. We will continue to give you updates as they become available."

Original Story: If you’re a PlayStation user you might have noticed that the PlayStation Network has been down since this past Wednesday night. There is a reason for that. Apparently, the PSN has fallen victim to a hacking attempt and Sony decided to flip the switch on the service in order conduct a “thorough investigation.” Many are quick to blame the activist hacking group Anonymous for the security breach, continuing to lash out at Sony over the now-settled GeoHot lawsuit; however, the group is claiming they have no involvement in the matter. Therefore, it could be a copy cat group that’s to blame, or someone completely unrelated to Anonymous in any capacity. Here’s the official word from Sony posted on the PS blog.

“An external intrusion on our system has affected our PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. In order to conduct a thorough investigation and to verify the smooth and secure operation of our network services going forward, we turned off PlayStation Network & Qriocity services on the evening of Wednesday, April 20th. Providing quality entertainment services to our customers and partners is our utmost priority. We are doing all we can to resolve this situation quickly, and we once again thank you for your patience. We will continue to update you promptly as we have additional information to share."

This comes at an unfortunate time for PSN users. Portal 2, Mortal Kombat and SOCOM 4 just released this week, all titles which make use of Sony’s online service.

There is still no set time or date for when the PSN will be back online. Please stand by.